A "BAWL" FOR 



AM BR (CAN CRtCKET 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 
©(jnii. iop^ris^l f 0.- 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



"CRICKET" 



Digitized by the Internet Archive 
in 2011 with funding from 
The Library of Congress 



http://www.archive.org/details/bawlforamericancOOwist 



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THE \AriCKET KEEPER IN POSITION. 



"BAWL" 



KOR 



AMERICAN CRICKET 



DEDICATED TO 

AlVIERICAN YOUTH 

/ 

BY JONKS WISTER. ' 



ILLXJSTR-jPlTED. 



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PHII,ADEI,PHIA, PA. : 



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Gcven 



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Introductory. 



IT has been our good fortune to find the fountain of 
youth luH<:ing in the out-door pleasures of Skating, 
Swimming, Rowing, Horseback Riding, Tennis, Base 
Ball and Cricket. The " grown-up " folk are now en- 
gaged in utilizing the discovery made by youth thousands 
of years ago, that health and happiness depend upon 
their innocent amusements. College Faculties have 
realized that the morals of youth as well as success in 
after life, depend upon the good health engendered by 
competitive pastimes. The strength of a nation lies in 
the correct training of the young. "England's great 
victories on land and sea were won by the men, who 
when boys wielded a cicket bat, pulled an oar, or kicked 
the foot ball." America too has had her conflicts, and 
may have others. 

These lines are offered to the youth of this fair land, 
in the hope that their innocent play may prepare them 
mentally, physically and morally for whatever battles 
life may have in store for them. We believe there are 
many who would gladly learn to play cricket, if the oppor- 
tunity presented itself Only the favored few live near 
established grounds, while the many are unable to find 
even a book upon the game. The enjoyment of cricket, 
followed by the good health which it brings, is within 



O INTRODUCTORY. 

the easy grasp of all, nor does it depend upon the 
standard of the play, but turns rather upon its equality. 

The memories of the past, though dear to many, 
will not be used to bore those who look rather to the 
future. But a few words about the origin of the game 
we love, may prove interesting. Early in the century 
Englishmen were found'playing their national game upon 
the beautiful meadows of Germantown. Young America* 
as quick then as now, to imitate a good thing, organized 
a Germantown Cricket Club, and played upon a field of 
the Belfield farm from 1840 to 1846. Those were the 
glorious days of underhand bowling, forward hits and 
single wicket. A stone roller borrowed from a neighbor- 
ing garden smoothed the pasture, and almost the only 
recollection we retain of this primitive crease, is of two 
spots bare of grass, indicative of constant use. This 
club was the pioneer of cricket by Americans, and the 
forerunner of the present Germantown Cricket Club, 
which used the impliments left by the old club, to play 
its first games, and became the direct heir of both its 
name and property. But the Philadelphia Club, which 
organized a year before the Germantown, grew out 
of an organization known as the Union Cricket Club, 
which upheld the honor of Philadelphia Englishmen 
against New York Englishmen during the "Forties ''. 

During this decade some University men organized 
a cricket club known as the Juniors, and played upon 
the Union ground. Matches were played and prize bats 
were offered by Dr. Mitcliell, the father of Dr. S. Weir 
Mitchell, one of which is now in the possession of Wm. 
Rotch Wister, generally spoken of as the father of Amer- 
ican Cricket, who won it by the handsome score of 44, 



INTRODUCTORY. 7 

in the year 1845. All of these clubs disbanded and 
cricket slumbered till 1.S53, when the Philadelphia Club 
origan ized. Camden had been the scene of the Union 
and Junior Club's matches, and it was again selected as 
the best site for the new ground. 

The names of Englishmen were numerous upon 
the rolls of this club, and their professional Tom Seinor 
was the typical fast round arm bowler of the period. 
He trained the elevens to meet the St. George and New 
York Clubs, and was regarded with awe and wonder by 
the young American cricketer. The boy or even the 
man, who could block the cannon balls of the mighty 
Yorkshireman was the hero of the hour. The idea of 
hitting his terrefic balls scarcely entered the heads of 
the boys. Only Englishmen were supposed to be able 
to score against such speedy bowling. 

The Germantown boys who had organized their 
club in 1854, played only one or two local teams during 
its first season, chief of which was against the Delphian 
Circumferaneous, whose enthusiasm for cricket was often 
evinced before breakfast. A year later when practice 
had improved their play, they challenged the Philadel- 
phian's, who they had heretofore considered too powerful, 
but they paid the highest compliment to Tom Seinor, 
by barring him ; for even in those early days they had 
a keen eye to the advantages of victory. But they were 
not afraid, old Bradshaw with his high buttoned vest 
and stiff high hat, nor of dear old Mrs. Bradshaw, with 
her kind words and her " coop of tay ". 

From a cricketing standpoint, the English of that 
day regarded the American almost with contempt; 
sixteen, eighteen and often twenty-two, if the latter 



« INTRODUCTORY. 

number could be mustered, were matched against eleven 
Englishmen. Records of many such matches may be 
found during the Forties and Fifties. The last we 
believe was played when George Parrs eleven played a 
twenty-two, composed of the best English and American 
cricketers from New York, Newark, and Philadelphia, 
in the Fall of 1859. Lockyer the great wicket keeper, 
Jackson, the fast bowler, Hayward and Carpenter the 
magnificent batsmen, with Julius Ceasar, Lillywhite 
Caffyn, and the rest won a well fought victory. Before 
Carpenter had made half a dozen runs, he elevated a 
mis-called " wide " into the hands of " mid off" who 
caught it, the umpire declined to rectify his palpable 
error, so the batter was "not out" on a "catch". Hayward 
was in with Carpenter when this culpable descision was 
made, and before a separation occurred, more than one 
hundred runs had been scored. Many who saw this 
match declared that but for the error, the Professionals 
might have not won the game. 

All England elevens composed entirely of profes- 
sionals, still play twenty-twos in the country districts of 
England, and often win, even against such enormous 
odds. American patriotism no longer permits such 
differences in opposing teams, but prefers to equalize the 
merits of players, in order to secure well contested 
matches. 



i 





THE BOWLER IN THE ACT OF DELIVERING. 



n 



Meet the ball with as full a bat as the case 
admits, but meet it. The batsman should not 
wait for the ball to strike bat This applies to 
blocking as well as to tapping. 



Patience, fortitude and good temper, should 
characterize the ball player whether upon 
"diamond" or "crease." 



CHAPTER I. 



COMPARING BASE BALL WITH CRICKET. 



THE popular demand for perfect ball playing, has 
developed such marked differences in England 
and America, that a short comparison between base ball 
and cricket may be of interest to some readers, and may 
tend to greater toleration. Here the professional has 
been brought into undue prominence, because of his 
recognized skill, while the people ignore the efforts of the 
amateurs, and cannot be induced to part with their 
" quarter " to see a " comedy of base ball errors ", or 
witness the efforts of the undisciplined cricketer, to 
amuse himself at their expense. 

In England the superiority of the professional 
cricketer is quite as marked as that of the professional 
base ball player, but his skill is employed in his regular 
business, which consists in teaching the amateurs, who 
abound in countless numbers. They are called 
" gentlemen " cricketers, as distinguished from their pre- 
ceptors, the professionals, and play their National game 
as well, or perhaps better. The exhibition of base 
ball professionals in every city of America, has given the 
youth of this generation, opportunities to learn the game 
and their magnificent ball playing upon the diamond, is 
a worthy example for American cricketers, and the popu- 
larity of the " National Game " is largely due to the skill 



10 COMPARING BASE BALL WITH CRICKET. 

of these professional experts. The organizations' are 
sustained by capitalists, whose investments depend upon 
the character of the games, and the system has given it 
an impetus which has placed it in the front rank of 
American sport, and brought the play up to the highest 
standard. Cricket on the contrary is played in America 
almost exclusively by amateurs, who deserve the highest 
praise for the manner in which they have upheld Ameri- 
can Cricket, especially when it is remembered that tneir 
English adversaries, inherit their " national " game from 
their fathers, grand-fathers, and great-grand-fathers, and 
that each generation of cricketers takes up and improves 
upon the play of its predecessor. Many clubs employ 
" professionals " as teachers, who not withstanding their 
superior cricket are always excldued from "trophy" 
matches. 

This comparison we believe will Interest enquirers 
after facts, while those whose vision is obscured by a 
total eclipse of either game, will " skip " to something 
more interesting. The "base" in the National game 
corresponds with the " run " in cricket, and is ninety feet 
long ; the distance between wickets is sixty-six feet, but 
between creases which is the length of a run, the distance 
is fifty- eight feet, or thirty-two feet shorter than a base. 
The average runner of a " base " must consume enough 
additional time to cover the added distance. Supposing 
that two and one-half seconds is required by the runner 
of the base, only one and one-half seconds is consumed 
by the cricketer in making his run. This difference in 
"time" means a preponderating advantage to the fielder 
upon the diamond, and a corresponding one to the bats- 
man in cricket. The public, chiefly for this reason, has 
pronounced upon the sloth of cricketers, and the rapidity 



COMPARING BASE BALL WITH CRICKET I f 

of those who play base ball. The unthinking spectator 
concludes that cricketers are sleepy, while fielders upon 
the diamond are consiantly performing feats of wonder. 
The cricketer makes his run of only fifty eight feet with 
ease and almost certainty if he uses fair discretion, while 
the striker of a base ball must attempt his "run" though 
bitter experience tells him that it is an impossibility. It 
will at once be seen that the runner of the compulsary 
long " base " is almost handicapped out of the race by 
the cricketer who makes a discretionary short " run ". 

The baseball fielder has been given tremendious 
"time", advantages over the cricket fielder by the long base 
as well as by the " forced " run. These advantages are 
increased by the construction of the diamond, which 
" fouls off" three-quarters of the field, thereby permitting 
eight fielders to be placed almost elbow to elbow in front 
of the doomed batter. "Side out" has become such a 
forgone conclusion that changes in the rules must follow, 
if interest in the game is expected from the public. 

Many features of the game of single wicket cricket 
correspond with base ball. The efforts of the batter are, 
limited to hits forward of the wicket, while the run is 
one hundred and twenty-four feet, but this style of cricket 
has become obsolete, owing to the same objections 
which exist in base ball, and has given place to 
double wicket cricket. There the impartial observer 
will find no undue advantage given either to batter, fielder 
or bowler. But if a game is played between cricketers 
of like standard, every department is in strict equiblirum^ 
while opportunities are offered to skillful performers 
unknown in base ball. Some misguided lovers of Ameri- 
can cricket have tried to popularize the game through 



12 COMPARING BASE BALL WITH CRICKET. 

base ball modifications, but their failure was a forgone 
conclusion, owing to essential differences in the theories 
of the two games. If they will reflect a moment, we think 
they will see that base ball has reached a stage only 
somewhat? beyond single wicket cricket, which gave place 
to the double wicket game, about the year 1800, but it is 
so many years behind modern cricket, that the year 1900 
is likely to arrive before such changes are made, as will 
place the different departments of the game in balance. 
Yet the anomoly of the inferior game producing the 
best exponents exists in America, and is the production 
of that antagonism between amateurism and profes- 
sionalism, which seems to be never ending. The dif- 
ference though social and educational is enormously 
enchanced by business reasons, which have done base 
ball little if any good. Cricketers have kept their game 
above reproach, and though often taunted because they 
have imported an English game, it will be admitted even 
by the admirers of America's " national game " that 
English cricket has overcome the corruption of the 
" gambler " and " blackleg," of past generations and 
become the keystone of English sport, and this result 
has been brought about by skilful play unaided by tricks 
upon players or partiality of umpires. 

It is our intention to give some hints to those, who 
seek pleasure and health from cricket pure and simple, 
for we are most firm in the belief that good fielding, good 
bowling, and above all good wicket keeping, now almost 
a lost art in America will popularize cricket. 




No. 1— The "cross bat" illustrated by a cross boy. 



"Cricket requires constant practice; and 
to be a wood cricketer, is to be wary, yet bold ; 
strong, yet gentle ; self posessed and cautions; 
firm and manly. There is no game in the 
world that so teaches a boy to rely upon his 
resources, and to be ever ready to take advan- 
tage of opportunities, as cricket when properly 
played.''— Wisden 




CHAPTER II. 



DARK DAYS OF CRICKET. 



If American parents will take the time to read what 
the Reverend James Pycroft says in Chapter VI of 
his Cricket Field, which we have taken the liberty of 
quoting in full, it may give them food for thought. It 
was the good fortune of the writer to read this delight- 
ful book early in life, and he has quoted from it when- 
ever he found it possible, and begs to acknowledge 
numerous obligations, for it has had much bearing upon 
his own conclusions. 

"CHAP. VI. 

A DARK CHAPTER IN THE HISTORY OF CRICKET. 

The lovers of cricket may congratulate themselves at 
the present day that matches are made at cricket, as at 
chess, rather for love and the honor of victory than for 
money. 

It is now many years since Lord's was frequented 
by men with book and pencil, betting as openly and 
professionally as in the ring at Epsom, and ready to 
deal in the odds with any and every person of specu- 
lative propensities. Far less satisfactory was the state of 
things with which Lord F. Beauclerk and Mr. Ward 
had to contend, to say nothing of the earlier days of the 
Earl of Winchelsea and Sir Horace Mann. As to the 
latter period, 'Old Nyren' bewails its evil doings. He 
speaks of one who had "the trouble of proving himself. 



14 DARK DAYS OF CRICKET. 

a rogue', and also of 'the legs at Marylebone', who tried, 
for once in vain, to corrupt some primitive specimens of 
Plambledon innocence. He says, also, the grand 
matches of his day were always made for 500/. a side. 
Add to this the fact that the bets were in proportion, 
that Jim and Joe Bland, of turf notoriety, Dick Whitlom, 
of Covent Garden, Simpson, a gaming house keeper, 
and Toll, of Isher, as regularly attended at a match as 
Crockford and Gully at Epson and Ascot; and the idea 
that all the Surrey and Hampshire rustics should either 
want or resist strong temptations to sell is not to be 
entertained for a moment. The constant habit of betting 
will take the honesty out of any man. A half-crown 
sweepstakes, or betting such odds as lady's long kids to 
gentleman's short ditto, is all very fair sport; bnt if a 
man after years of high betting can still preserve the 
fine edge and tone of honest feeling, he is indeed a 
wonder. To bet on a certainty must be very bad moral 
practice. 

*If gentlemen wanted to bet,' said Beldham, 'just 
under the pavileon sat men ready with money down to 
give and take the current odds, and by far the best men 
to bet with, because if they lost it was all in the way of 
business : they paid their money and did not grumble'. 
Still they had all sorts of tricks to make their betting 
safe. 'One artifice', said Mr. Ward, 'was to keep a 
player out of the way by a false report that his wife was 
dead.' Then these men would come down to the Green 
Man and Still, and drink with us, and always said that 
those who backed us, or 'the nobs', as they called, them 
sold the matches : and so, sir, as you are going the round 
beating up the quarters of the old players, you will find ' 



DARK DAYS OF CRICKET. 1 5 

some to persuade you this is true. But don't believe it. 
That any gentleman, in my ddy, ever put himself into 
the power of these blacklegs by selling matches, I can't 
credit. Still, one day I thought I would try how far 
these tales were true. So, going down into Kent with 
'one of high degree', he said to me, 'Will if this match 
is won, I lose a hundred pounds'. 'Well', said I my 
Lord, you and I could order that'. He smiled as if 
nothing were meant, and talked of something else ; and, 
as luck would have it, he and I were in together, and 
brought up the score between us, though every run 
seemed to me like 'a guinea out of his Lordship's pocket' 

In those days foot races were very common. Lord 
Frederick and Mr. Budd were first-rate runners, and bets 
were freely laid. So, one day, old Fennex laid a trap for 
the gentlemen : he brought up to act the part of some 
silly conceited youngster, with his pockets full of money, 
a first-rate runner out of Hartfordshire. This soft young 
gentleman ran a match or two with some known third- 
rate men, and seemed to win by a neck, and no space to 
spare. Then he calls out, Til run any man on the 
ground for 25^., money down.' A match was quickly 
made, and money laid on pretty thick on Fennex's 
account. Some said, 'Too bad to win of such a green 
young fellow' ; others said, 'He's old enough — serve him 
right.' So the laugh was finely against those who were 
taken in ; 'the green one' ran away like a hare ! 

'You see, sir', said one fine old man, with brilliant eye 
and quickness of movement, that showed his right hand 
had not yet forgot its cunning, 'matches were bought, 
and matches were sold, and gentlemen who meant 
honestly lost large sums of money, till the rogues beat 



1 6 DARK DAYS OF CRICKET. 

themselves at last, They overdid it ; they spoilt their 
own trade ; and, as I told one of them, a knave and a 
fool makes a bad partnership : so you and yourself will 
never prosper. Well, surely there was robery enough; 
and not a few of the great players earned money to their 
own disgrace ; but, if you'll beHeve me, there was not 
half the selling there was said to be. Yes I can guess, 
sir, much as you have been talking to all the old players 
over this good stuff (pointing to the brandy and water I 

had provided), no doubt you have heard that B sold 

as bad as the rest. I'll tell the truth ; one match up the 
country I did sell, — a match made by Mr. Osbaldestone 
at Nottingham. I had been sold out of a match just 
before, and lost loL, and happening to hear it I joined 
two others of our eleven to sell, and get back my money. 
I won lol. exactly, and of this roguery no one ever sus- 
pected me; but many was the time I have been blamed 
for selling when as innocent as a babe. In those days 
when so much money was on the matches, every man 
who lost his money would blame some one. Then if A 
missed acatch, or B made no runs,— and where's the 
player whose hand is always in ? — the man was called a 
rogue directly. So when a man was dooihed to lose his 
character, and bear all the smart, there was the more 
temptation to do like others, and after 'the kicks' to come 
in for 'the half-pence.' But I am an old man now, and 
heartily sorry I have been ever.since, because, but for that 
Nottingham match, I could have said, with a clear con- 
science, to a gentleman like you, that all that was said was 
false, and I never sold a match in my life ; but now I can't. 
But if I had fifty sons, I would never put one of them, 
for all the games in the world, in the way of the roguery 



^ 





No. 2— PREPARED TO DRIVE 'OFF." 



It is the unexpected which occurs in life 
as well as in cricket, therefore do not anticipate 
the movements of your antagonist but let your 
actions be governed by developments. 



DARK DAYS OF CRICKET. \J 

that I have witnessed. The temptation really was very 
great, — too great by far for any poor man to be exposed 
to, — no richer than ten shillings a week, let alone harvest 
time. I never told you the way I first was brought to 
London. I was a lad of eighteen at this Hampshire 
village, and Lord Winchelsea had seen us play among 
ourselves, and watched the match with the Hambledon 
Club on Broad-halfpenny, when I scored forty-three 
against David Harris, and ever so many of the runs 
against David's bowling, and no one ever could manage 
David before. So, next year, in the month of March, I 
was down in the meadows, when a gentletnan came 
across the field with Farmer Hilton, and thought I, all 
in a minute, now this is something about cricket. Well, 
at last it was settled, I was to play Hampshire against 
England, at London, in White Conduit-Fields ground, in 
the month of June. For three months I did nothing but 
think about that match. Tom Walker was to travel up 
from this country, and I agreed to go with him, ai:d 
found myself at last, with a merry company of cricketers, 
all old men, whose names I had ever heard as foremost 
in the game — met together, drinking, card-playing, 
betting, and singing at the Green Man (that was the great 
cricketer's house), in Oxfork Street, — no man without 
his wine, I assure you, and such suppers as three guineas 
a game to lose, and five to win (that was then the pay 
for players) could never pay for long. To go to London 
by a wagon, earn five guineas three or four times told, 
and come back with half the money in your pocket to 
the ploug again, was all very well talking. You know 
what young folks are, sir, when they get together : 
mischief brews stronger in large quantities : so many 



15 DARK DAYS OF CRICKET. 

spent all their earnings, and were soon glad to make 
more money some other way. Hundreds of pounds were 
bet upon the great matches, and other wagers laid on the 
scores of the finest players, and that too by men who had 
a book for every race, and every match in the sporting 
world : men who lived by gambling ; and as to honesty, 
gambling and honesty don't often go together. What 
was easier, then, than for such sharp gentlemen to mix 
with the players, take advantage of their difficulties, and 
say, your backers, my Lord this, and the Duke of that, 
sell matches and overrule all your good play, so why 
shouldn't you have a share of the plunder ? That was 
their constant argument. Serve them as they serve you. 
You have heard of Jim Bland, the turfsman, and his 
brother Joe — two nice boys. When Jemmy Dawson was 
hanged for poisoning the horse, the Blands never felt 
safe till the rope was round Dawson's neck, and, to keep 
him quiet, persuaded him to the last hour that they dared 
not hang him : and a certain nobleman had a reprieve 
in his pocket. Well, one "day in April, Joe Bland found 
me out in this parish, and tried his game on with me. 
'You may make a fortune,' he said, 'if you will listen to 
me : so much for the match with Surrey, and so much 
more for the Kent match — ' 'Stop', said I : *Mr. Bland, 
you talk too fast ; I am rathej too old for this trick; you 
never buy the same man but once : if their lordships 
ever sold at all, you would peach upon them if ever after 
they dared to win. You'll try me once, and then you'll 
have me in a line like him of the mill last year.' No, sir, 
a man was a slave when once he sold to these folk : fool 
and knave aye go together. Still they found fools 
enough for their purpose; but rogues can never trust 



DARK DAYS OF CRICKET. I9 

each other. One day a sad quarrel arose between two 
of them; that opened the gentlemen's eyes too wide to 
close again to these practices. Two very big rogues at 
Lord's fell a quarrelling, and blows were given ; a crowd 
drew round, and the gentlemen ordered them both into 
the pavilion. When the one began, 'You had 20I. to 
lose the Kent match, bowling leg long hops and missing 
catches.' 'And you were paid to lose at Swaffhani — 
'Why did that game with Surrey turn about — three runs 
to get, and you didn't make them?' Angry words came 
came out fast, and, when they are circumstantial and 
square with previous suspiciens, th€y are proofs as strong 
as holy writ. In one single-wicket match,' he continued, 
*and those were always great matches for the sporting 
men, because usually you had first-rate men on each 
side, and their merits known; dishonesty was as plain 
as this: just as a player was coming in (John B. will 
confess this, if you talk of the match) he said to me, 
'You'll let me score five or six, for appearances, won't 
you, for I am not going to make many if I can?' 'Yes,' 
I said, 'you rogue, you shall if I can not help it' But 
when a game was all but w^on, and the odds heavy, and 
all one way, it was cruel to see how the fortune of the 
day then would change about. In that Kent match, — 
you can turn to it in your book (Bentley's scores), played 
28th July, 1807, on Pennenden Heath, — I and Lord 
Frederick had scored sixty-one, and thirty remained to 
win, and six of the best men in England went out for 
eleven runs. Well, sir, I lost some money by that match, 
and as seven of us were walking homewards to meet a 
coach, a gentleman who had backed the match drove by 
and said, 'Jump up, my boys, we have all lost together. 



20 DARK DAYS OF CRICKET. 

I need not mind if I hire a pair of horses extra, next 
town, for I have lost money enough to pay for twenty 
pair or more.' Well thought I, as I rode along, you 
have rogues enough in your carriage now, if the truth 
were told, I'll answer for it ; and one of them let out the 
secret some ten years after. But, sir, I can't help laugh- 
ing when I tell you, once there was a single-wicket 
match played at Lord's, and a man on each side was 
paid to lose. One was bowler, and the other batsman, 
when the game came to a near point. I knew their 
politics, the rascals, and saw in a minute how things 
stood ; and how I did laugh, to be sure : for seven balls 
together, one would not bowl straight, and the other 
would not hit ; but at last a straight ball must come, and 
down went the wicket' 

From other information received, I could tell this 
veteran that, even in his much-repented Nottingham 
match, his was not the only side that had men resolved 
to lose. The match was sold for Nottingham too, and 
that with less success, for Nottingham won : an event 
the less difficult to accomplish, as Lord Frederick Beau- 
clerk broke a finger in an attempt to stop a designed and 
wilful overthrow ! and played the second innings with 
one hand. 

It is true, Clarke, who played in the match, thought 
all was fair ; still, he admits, he heard one Nottingham 
man accused on the field, by his own side, of foul play. 
This confirms the evidence of the Rev. C. W., no slight 
authority in Nottingham matches, who said he was 
cautioned before the m-^tch that all would not be fair. 

'This practice of selling matches,' said Beldham, *pro- 
duced strange things sometimes. Once, I remember. 




No. 3-THE FORWARD BLOCK. 



I 



If a suggestion is made as to your style or 
method, (however well meant) do not adopt it 
in a match, until you have tried it in practice 
and found it a satisfactory improvement. 



DARK DAYS OF CRICKET. 21 

England was playing Surrey, and, in my judgment, Surrey 
had the best side ; still I found the Legs were betting 
seven to four against Surrey! This time they were done; 
for they betted on the belief that some Surrey men had 
sold the match, but Surrey played to win. 

'Crockford used to be seen about Lord's, and Mr. 
Gully also occasionally, but only for society of sporting 
men ; they did not understand the game, and I never saw 
them bet. Mr. Gully was often talking to me about the 
game for one season ; but I never could put any sense 
into him ! He knew plenty about fighting, and afterwards 
of horse-racing ; but a man cannot learn the odds of 
cricket unless he is something of a player.' 



22 



CHAPTER III. 



FIELDING. 



AMERICAN Cricket owes a debt of gratitude to base 
ball. The undaunted pluck that stops and holds 
the fierce grounder; the strong arm which returns it to 
the baseman ; the steady judgement that guides the out- 
fielder to the fly ; all deserve the highest praise. Cricket 
welcomes the base ball fielder to the cricket ground, 
gives him the post of severest duty, depends upon his 
keen eyesight, splendid throwing, quick action and 
steady nerve. She soon calls him her own ; for these 
qualities are just what she is always wanting. Let base 
ball players then not hesitate, for all their training is in 
the line of perfect fielding on the cricket ground. 

The most important fielder is thought by many 
cricketers to be the bowler, nor do we wish to disparage 
the judgement of anyone prejudiced in favor of that 
opinion. But our belief, reached after deliberate thought, 
is that the wicket keeper who performs his arduous 
duties successfully, does greater service for his side than 
even the best bowler. Like the catcher in base ball, his 
position is one of danger, leg guards and gloves must 
be added to his outfit to prevent accidents. Even with 
these, only a man with a cool head, a correct eye, and 
a safe pair of hands, should attempt wicket keeping. 



L 




No. 4— THE HALF FORWARD BLOCK. 



"Among the advantages of cricket are the 
means it affords for physical improvement, the 
opportunities for bringing rich and poor into 
friendly communication, the inculcation of 
gentlemanly feeling, and the principles of mu- 
tual charity, good will, and moral harmony." — 
Wikden. 



I 



FIELDING. 23 

He is almost an " unknown " in American cricket, but 
if we do not err, Vint of the Irish team, gave some free 
lessons in the art which will prove most advantageous. 
In Lockyer's era the backstop was a factor which modern 
cricket has abandoned. He was the support of the 
wicket keeper, whose hands he saved from many hard 
blows, unnecessarily dealt him by cannon ball bowlers. 
He it was who performed the drudgery of a match. 

The advent of the fast bowler has been the chie^ 
means of changing the wicket keeper into a back fielder, 
he has at the same time given the opportunity to the 
aggressive batsman. The chief object of the fast bowler 
has been to frighten the timid batsman, and drive him to 
the tent. If he has been the Simon Pure article, he has 
fulfilled his mission, and even the crack batter has failed 
to score heavily. But has he not oftener through bumpy 
ground and wrong pitch, for the faster the bowling, the 
less control the bowler has over the ball, given the other 
side the victory ? Let not this be considered a plea for 
the back stop, for he belongs to an almost forgotten age, 
but it is rather to put a brake upon the " demon " bowler. 
It is asking too much of a wicket keeper to stop every 
wild attempt of the machine bowler, or be abused by his 
side. Speedy bowling, under wise control and supported 
by prompt and efficient fielding, has distinct advantages, 
but with slow fielding it is a menace to its own eleven, 
and has been the means of increasing the score of the 
adversary, who need not display even good batting to 
accomplish the result. 

The most serious question which confronts the 
American captain of to-day, is a " stumper.". But we 
believe so thoroughly in the progressive spirit American 



24 FIELDING. 

cricket, that when attention is called to the importance 
of "stumping", and to the fact that the aggressive batter 
glories in a wicket keeper whose position is twenty feet 
behind the wicket, and whose arms are of normal 
length, that the wicket keeper will soon become a real, 
rather than an imaginary personage upon the cricket 
field ; and that he will again be seen close behind his 
wicket, forcing the batsman to display his prowess within 
his crease, or suffer the penalty. Let us predict that 
when this desirable result is accomplished, bowlers will 
be found to rely upon pitch and curve, rather than upon 
speed, and that skill will depend more upon brain than 
muscle. His position must always be such, that the 
wicket is between himself and the approaching ball, for 
he cannot run the risk of trying to "down" a wicket which 
he cannot see, neither can he spare the time to turn 
around, for the run is short and the runner may be a 
"sprinter". 

The object of the bowler should be either to bowl 
the wicket ; to have a batter give a chance for a catch ; 
or, to force the batter to leave his ground for a stump. 
Unless he can vary his intention to thwart the batsman 
by the delivery of unexpected and difficult balls, he 
cannot expect to rank among the best, nor will he be 
called a head bowler. The only ball which the bowler 
can depend upon for uniform good results, strikes the 
turf outside the reach of the batter. Good batsmen 
safely block or hit any ball falling within six feet of the 
crease, some reach a ball which drops eight feet or more 
from the crease. But every batsman has a limit when the 
wicket keeper is in place. That spot, a little nearer the 
bowler than this limit is known as the "pitch" or "length." 



BOWLING. 25 

The bowler must direct his efforts to gauge the batter's 
reach, and deliver balls which will prevent scoring. 
When a bowler discerns the "length" ball a batsman can- 
not play, and his skill enables him to deliver it at will, he 
may be relied upon. It is the eager hope of every beginner 
to become a superior bowler. We have endeavored to 
indicate just what a good ball is and wherein it differs from 
one which the batter fancies. But this is not enough ; the 
mind of the young bowler must solve the problem, and 
must have a well defined conception of the ball which is 
expected to baffle the batter. Having reached a satis- 
factory conclusion upon this all important subject, the 
physical effort to execute his theories must now be 
regularly practiced until he has mastered the art. 

1st. — Almost every good bowler holds the ball in 
the fingers at right angles to the seams, for two reasons, 
first a better grip can be taken ; second, if any twist or 
spin is desired, the roughness of the seams increases the 
action of the fingers. 

2nd. — Begin delivering what are technally known 
as slow balls. Do not attempt fast bowling until your 
mechanical command of the ball has in a large degree, 
been able to materialize from your conception of what a 
good ball should be. This mechanical command of the 
ball comes from practice only. When it is observed 
that every batsman has his own peculiar style, some 
right handed, some left, some long, some short reach, 
some forward, some back, the beginner vrill at once 
percieve that success depends upon this, absolute com^ 
mand of the ball. When the possible fast bowler has 
learned to bowl "slows" with precision, he may put up 
an occasional fast ball. If he has properly conceived the 



26 BOWLING. 

art of slows, the chances are all in favor of his also be- 
coming a good fast bowler. No eleven is perfect with 
only slow bowlers. Batters must be worried by fast as 
well as slow balls. But let every bowler whose ambition 
is to attain speed, recollect that accurate slows are the 
fore-runners of speedy balls. 

3d. — The slow bowler having mastered the pitch or 
length must practice twists or spins by which he endeavors 
to deceive the batsman. These must be performed with 
such ease that mind and body simultaneously act, the 
ball rotating upon its own axis, with such force that when 
it leaves the ground it no longer continues in its apparent 
direction, but rising abruptly according to the bowler's 
desire passes the astonished batsman into the wicket. 

4th. — An easy elegant style of bowling is attained 
with less fatigue than a slouchy one. Some men will 
start ten yards behind the bowler's crease, rush at it as 
though preparing for a somersault, come to a halt to de- 
liver a disappointing ball. The fault here lies in the mis- 
conception of the bowler. He has not studied cause and 
effect, nor has he studied his own powers. These must 
not be squandered upon an over or two, but must be 
husbanded for a long day's work. 

5 th. — Place the ball as near the batsman as possible 
without its becoming a full ball, should such a ball strike 
slightly to leg, all the chances are in favor of its working 
between legs and bat into the wicket. 

6th. — The objects of attack are the wickets of the 
enemy. Straight balls only can take wickets. The 
bowler of such balls is likely to be in demand. He is 
sure to force a defensive opposition, of which a good 
captain can take advantage. 




No. 5— THE HALF BACK BLOCK 



If you play for your side and not for your- 
self, at the end of the match your average will 
be better, than if you have constantly had upon 
3'our mind the disturbing element of selfishness. 



DOWLING. 27 

7th. — Bowling for hits has become a usual method, 
when persistent blockers guard the stumps, a dozen runs 
is a small addition to the latter's score in exchange for a 
wicket. 

8th. — " Study the furthest point to which your man 
can play forward safely, and pitch just outbide that point 
with every variety of pace and spin." 

9th. — All other points being equal the bowler who 
rotates the ball most rapidly upon its own axis will 
capture the greatest number of wickets. 

1 0th — Learn to bowl from either side of the wicket, 
or to change the delivery or speed without the appearance 
of so doing. 

nth. — If a bowler is left-handed he should study 
bowling with extra care. He may, if he gives his mind 
to it, become great in that department. The reason being 
found in the simple fact that it is unusual and disconcerting 
to the batsman ; nine men of every ten being righthanded. 

1 2th.— A high delivery has its advantages as well as 
its objections. It must not be overlooked that what is 
gained by elevation is lost by the difference of angle. 
The angle which the course of the ball describes is greater 
when the arm is at right angles with the body than when 
elevated. The delivery from an elevated hand is made 
with a view to catches more than to bowled wickets. A 
delivery which combines elevation and angle has been 
adopted by the best bowlers. The ball strikes the ground 
with greater force, causing a more sudden and unexpected 
rise, v/hile the spin and angle add to its disturbing effect 
upon the mind of the batsman. 

13th. — The bowler more than any other fielder needs 
patience, perseverance and pluck. He must be strong, 



28 FIELDING. 

steady and sure. He must smile and look happy when 
catches are missed. He must look contented and satisfied 
when the umpire gives decisions against his interest. 
All will recognize the successful bowler even without the 
aid of these few rules. 

Point is next in importance, he is always expected 
to have safe hands, for when a fast ball is cut to point, a 
run is sure to result if he is not alert; in ancient cricket 
he stood much nearer the batsmen than at this period. 
His place is now so far from the striker that his position 
upon the field seems to have given way to silly point, a 
position so dangerous that a fielder possessing great cour- 
age generally volunteer's for it. Few captains would order 
a man to the position of silly point, yet there are still 
fewer who do not delight in the man who fills it advan- 
tageously, for " chances " abound near the wicket. 

The slips, short leg and mid wickets follow in impor- 
tance, while the outfielders and covers should not be 
deficient as stoppers, while as throwers they frequently 
have grand opportunities for the display of great activity. 
The Australian and English teams who came to this 
country were most^effective fielders, and our native crick- 
eters learned much from their prowess. They seemed 
ubiquitous. The ball did not seem ever to bore its way 
through them, their anticipation of its direction seemed 
instinctive. But if a hard hit one passed through the 
phalanx and did get by the fielder and was rapidly wend- 
ing its way to the boundarys, the foreigner chased it with 
a speed and determination which gradually overtook it 
before it reached the ropes, thus reducing the score to a 
minimum. Let the cricket fielder constantly bear in mind 
that the time allotted to him to pick up and return the ball 



FIELDING. 29 

to the wicket is less than that required for a fast runner 
to traverse 18 yards at speed. If he is just as fast 
as the runner his exertions are lost to his side, for the 
batsman has reached his crease. The fielder must there- 
fore be mentally and physically active while the ball is in 
play. It is not enough for him to take the ball and return 
it to the wicket keeper. Thousands of wickets have been 
held by a failure on the part of the the fielder to return 
to the right wicket. Which one that is can only be de- 
termined by instant thought followed by immediate action. 
If the fielder waits for notification to receive and return 
the ball he will in ninety-nine cases out of every hundred 
belong to the bump on the log variety. 

Fielding should be practiced whenever cricketers 
meet on the turf. Many captains advocate meeting for 
fielding oniy. In view of the numerous occasions for 
practice which constantly present themselves it seems to 
the writer unnecessary. But these must be used. 
The hardness of the cricket ball causes fear to the un- 
practiced. It hurts tender hands to be rudely struck by 
the hard ball. Companions can practice fielding indoors 
or almost anywhere, if a ball is provided. Cricketers 
will find a ball a delightful companion. Passing it around 
gives the practice which fielders must have to become 
expert. A dozen occasions innure the hands to the sen- 
sation of stopping a fast ball. It will no longer feel hard, 
but the fielder will take it at lightning speed. 

Perfect fielding is absolutely unknown on the Ameri- 
can cricket fields. Errors are so numerous even among 
the best players, that bowlers lose courage and nerve. 
Each fielder should recollect that he is the support of the 
bowler. The strength of every bowler depends upon 



30 FIELDING. 

his field. A catch missed means a game lost which 
might have been won. Most fielders feel little of the 
great responsibility resting upon them, and even many 
good ones fail to appreciate it. 

When our American gentlemen were winning the 
match against Surrey on the " Oval," the sympathy of 
the London crowd was with the Americans, who they 
thought fielded better than the EngUsh gentlemen. One 
of the crowd said to the writer our cricketers "worship 
the bat." They play forever in the nets, and forget the 
importance of fine fielding, this did not seem a just 
criticism, for although he has seen every foreign 
eleven that has ever played in America, he has never 
seen any American fielding compare in excellence with 
that of the English and Australians, Almost every 
American fielder fails to realize that there are two wickets. 
He picks up well, returns well, runs well, and the me- 
chanical part is often better than that of his English 
brother, but when head work is needed the English 
fielder returns to the right wicket, and the batter little 
expecting it is run out. The American batter is expect- * 
ing the same loose methods to prevail among English 
fielders, but disappointment awaits him, for much to his 
astonishment the English fielder recollects the other 
wicket. Nothing has impressed itself upon the writer's 
mind in commenting upon the play of foreign elevens, 
like the constant watchfulness of the fielder. If English 
cricketers worship the bat at home, they show no 
evidence of it upon American cricket grounds. They 
set an example to American cricketers which the soone^ 
they follow, the sooner will they equal their alert foreign 
competitors. 



FiEi.nrNO. 31 

The last fielder to be spoken of but the most impor- 
tant, is the captain of the XL Upon his judgement in 
placing his men depends the result. He is responsible 
fjr the work of the field. He is looked to as the one to 
place his men in good or bad localities. If bad judgment 
is used he is most severely criticised by the on-lookers. 
If he shows good judgement he gets little credit, as the 
fielder is supposed to be doing it all and receives the ap- 
plause. But the captain must be watchful, helpful, coura- 
geous and sanguine. He must not loose nerve and 
energy because his side is hunting leather. He must 
work harder because he has an up hill game. In short, 
he must lead all the time, and if he expects his side to 
follow, he must set the example. 



32 



CHAPTER IV. 



BATTING. 



AN expert batsman experiences unspeakable pleasure 
during his innings. Cricketers glory in him, his 
friends delight in him, and the sweetest smile of his best 
girl emphasizes his triumph. 

Nearly every young American learns base ball 
before cricket. When he first stands before a wicket, he 
is almost paralysed by the fear of losing it. Nothing 
corresponding to it appears upon the diamond. When 
his wicket has been successfully attacked a few times he 
is disheartened, and is likely to abandon cricket and re- 
turn to his first love. This is a critical period in the 
history of the beginner. But a hint from a cricketer 
able and willing to explain that the straight ball can be 
successfully met by the straight bat may open the gate 
of cricket to him. 

"A straight bat" is the technical term for an upright 
bat, as distinguished from a "cross bat." It should also 
be explained to all aspirants that the regulation wicket 
was not constructed for beginners but for expert batsmen. 
But let us not digress from the blunt " straight bat ques- 
tion," which staggers the "man out," as did the straight 
ball his wicket. Why can a batsman who wields a 
"straight bat" make a long stand, and why does the 



%^ 





No. 6— THE LATE BLOCK. 






i 



Courage, energy and decision, mark the 
successful cricketer. 



A good excuse is more easily made thau a 
good play. 



I 



BATTING. 33 

bowler delight in the man who plays a "cross bat?" 
The answer is simple. A " cross bat " must of necessity 
be an imperfect defense for a perpendicular wicket. The 
minds of many boys seem to be constructed upon the 
" cross bat " plan, but when they play the upright game 
of cricket with an upright bat, an upright boy is the 
likely father an upright man. 

Every beginner aspires for the results of batting 
which are recorded by the scorer, conveniently ignoring 
the hard work of those who by many patient efforts have 
reached comparative perfection. But the repeated loss 
of his wicket will force him to reason out why a straight 
bat thwarts the bowler's efforts, and why when playing 
a "cross bat " he has been unconciously reducing his 
defense in a ratio of four to one. To help this reasoning 
process let us demonstrate by stating that the batsman's 
wicket without the bails presents to the bowler a sur- 
face of 216 square inches. The batsman who wields a 
straight bat covers about 120 square inches of the wicket, 
hands and gloves increasing it to about 1 30 inches. The 
" cross bat " presents a defense of only 34 square inches, 
or one-fourth that of a " straight bat," the hands a4id 
gloves ceasing to the part of the defense for a "cross bat.' ' 
When the legs and pads of the batter are added to the 
defense, the bowler would seem to have an almost im- 
possible task to "out" the wielder of the "straight bat.'' 
Yet the " man out " seldom understands it, for he has 
not profited by the tremendous mathematical advantage 
of a " straight bat " over a " cross bat." When this^ 
difference is appreciated and acted upon, the lesson of 
" blocking " has been learned and the batsman may ex- 
pect scores : for he is ready to hit intelligently. 



34 BATTING. 

Each ball is a lesson to the eye of the batsman who 
has learned to play a " straight bat." The forward block 
as shown in illustration, must obtain for well pitched 
balls rising to the bails. The bat must be forwarded to 
the ball with left shoulder well over it, the bat carried at 
an angle of about 70°, the eye of the batsman being in- 
tently fixed upon it in order to insure against personal 
accidents. Such action, if prompt, forces the ball 
forwards towards the bowler. If the ball is met by the 
bat it strikes the ground at the angle of least resistance, 
bounds quickly into the field, and a run may result. 
Having given at length the necessity for the '* block " as 
well as the scientific reasons for the play, we will refer 
the reader to illustrations Nos. 3, 4, 5 and 6, which show 
the " forward block," the '' half forward block," the " half 
back block " and the " late block." If the young 
cricketer will study the attitudes taken by Mr. George 
Bromhead when making the four characteristic blocks, 
he will see that each ball must be blocked in a manner 
appropriate to itself 

Thus far only the defensive use of the bat has been 
considered. But it is a weapon as well as a shield. The 
tendencj' of beginners is to ignore the shield and use the 
weapon. One of the objects of these pages is to empha- 
size the shield, thereby perfecting the wield of the weapon, 
and multiplying the opportunities for its use. Let us close 
this portion of the chapter on batting with the remark 
that the defense of the wicket is an absolute necessity. 
It must be cultivated by beginners and practiced by ex- 
perts. After it is thoroughly learned, like swimming, it 
is never forgotten. The batter must also resemble the 
swimmer in another important point, for the swimmer 



BATTING. 35 

must continue swimming while in the water, and the batter 
must continue '* blocking " during the rest of his career. 

The hit is the evidence of successful batting. An 
opportunity taken. The result hoped for by the batter. 
As in blocking, well defined principles govern the suc- 
cessful hit, which depends 

I St.— Upon its true conception by the batsman. 

2nd. — Upon its being properly timed. 

3d. — Upon the amount of energy transmitted by the 
batsman to the ball. 

Last but most important, the correct handling of 
the bat while in contact with the ball. 

Hits divide themselves into the natural, which com- 
prise all hits to the " leg," or " on " side of the wicket, 
and the acquired which include all hits to the " offside." 
There are three distinct *' leg " hits resulting from 
striking short pitched, well pitched, and full pitched, balls 
together with numerous sub- varieties following strikes of 
leg balls which vary from standard lengths. 

1st — The stroke from a "short " or '* half volley" 
leg ball should be to square leg or a little forward of that 
point, with the bat held at such an angle that the ball 
will strike the ground twenty or thirty feet from the 
crease. It is with regret that we observe that this beauti- 
ful hit is often elevated into the hands of the nimble fielder. 

2nd. — The hit resulting from the well pitched leg 
ball, which the perfect batsman strikes as it rises, to that 
part of the field just back of short leg. The appearance 
of the batsman while making this satisfying hit is illus- 
trated in figure 7. 

3d. — The full pitched leg ball can be properly dealt 
with in at least three ways by the perfect batsman! 



36 BATTING. 

First, he can drive it to long field if not far to leg. 
Second, he can wait its arrival to a point between the 
umpire and himself, strike it on the fly to the rear of that 
long robed individual, bounding to the ropes. Third, 
while playing the waiting game an instant longer he may 
turn his person two-thirds around on his left foot, and 
strike the ball from the rear to sharp leg. 

All natural hits require determination and energy 
on the part of the batter if good results are expected. 
Modern cricket does not prepare itself for natural hits. 
On the contrary the beginner as well as the expert will 
have few balls delivered to him opportune for these hits. 
The modern bowler is instructed to force the " off" or 
unnatural upon the bateman. But during long matches 
even the best bowlers send up flukes, notwithstanding 
the elaborate instructions in Chapter 3. Batsmen must 
therefore understand what is expected of them, and we 
do not hesitate to say, that the batter who can deal with 
good bowling can usually make the " loose " show upon 
the score. Many balls are delivered upon the leg side, 
from which only the best batsmen can score. 

Illustration No. 8, shows Mr. Bromhead preparing 
to drive a nearly straight ball to the mid- wicket on. 

The on drives will always excite the admiration of 
cricketers. The shoulders, arms and wrists though most 
prominent promoters of these beautiful hits are assisted 
by every muscle of the body. They exemplify human 
energy and force. The upright bat plays the prominent 
place in this hit, and we must insist that the learner 
ignores the " cross bat " if he hopes for success. 

The perfect batsman plays every ball with a pur- 
pose. Illustration No. 9, shows how to play a well 




No. 7— THE LEG HIT. 



The element of danger is almost eliminated 
by constant watchfulness. 



The mind of a brilliant fielder, extends to 
the ends of his fingers and toes. 



BATTING. 37 

pitched ball wcndini; its way towards the leg stump. 
This ball he robs of all its dangerous tendency by for- 
warding his bat toward the bowler, carried at an angle of 
85, and almost perpendicular. This position presents 
almost a full blade to the ball, thereby defending his 
wicket, but also forces it to glance to the short legs. 

No. 10, illustrates a safe and easy method of scoring 
from a ball not far enough off the wicket to risk a leg 
hit. Guarding the wicket does not enter into the batter's 
calculations. But he forces the bat, carried at an angle 
of about 70 degrees against the advancing ball, which 
rapidly finds its way towards sharp leg. We cannot leave 
this portion of our chapter until we emphasize the part 
the shoulders should play in making the natural hits. It 
is in our judgement to be regretted that the exigincies of 
the game have largely remanded the shoulder hitter to 
the back ground ; but it must be acknowledged that he 
is no longer the power in the game he was prior to the 
period of special " off" bowling. But the best "trundlers" 
give chances to the shoulder hitter, and when accepted 
the spectator feels gratified that the science of cricket has 
been momentarily relaxed. If the muscular power of the 
batsman be not fully exerted upon the natural hits, we 
think all good cricketers will agree with us, that safety 
demands that the ball should be " let alone." 

The modern captain instructs his bowlers to give pref- 
erence to " off" rather than " on " balls, and places his 
field in accordance. If the bowlers do their full duty, 
the batter must score from unnatural hits only, if at all. 

1st. — He may receive a short pitch "off" ball, which 
he can drive to mid off, or " cover," or he may " pull it" to 
" leg " by advancing his right leg towards point, thereby 



38 BATTING. 

assuming the natural attitude, and acting as if it were a 
leg ball. 

2nd. — The over pitched "off" ball the batsman 
drives to long field, or over the bowler's head. These 
"off" balls require little beyond a correct eye and ready 
hand. But the modern batsman who expects great suc- 
cess must learn to "cut," for the large proportion of balls 
delivered are best suited for cutting. 

There are three distinct varieties of cuts. First, the 
forward cut. Second, the square off cut. Third, the 
late cut. Each play resulting from the relative position 
of the ball to the batsman while he is making the hit. 
All the cuts are made from rising balls distinctly to the 
off. When an off ball falls outside of the line of safety 
for a forward play, the batsman instantly prepares him- 
self for the forward cut. This he does by elevating the 
bat as in No. 11, at the same moment turning his face 
towards point, with his right foot somewhat advanced in 
the same direction, using his left as a pivot. This m.ove- 
ment towards the advancing ball enables him to reach 
the spot it is soon likely to occupy. Then while carry- 
ing his bat at an angle of about 70, he suddenly brings 
it down with a chopping motion until it comes in contact 
with the ball, which moves rapidly towards the boundary 
in a line between point and mid-Wicket. This hit is il- 
lustrated by No. 12. It is effective, as it has a tendency 
to spread the field forward. 

No. 13, illustrates the position of the batter while 
making the square cut. This hit is made from a ball 
rising to the off but falling somewhat farther from the 
line of the wicket than that from which the forward cut 
is made. Were the batter to stand firm in his position it 




No. 8— PREPARED TO DRIVE 'OiN, 



The Cricket Field says with truth : "You 
won't win by a hitting game if there is no hit 
in you," and adds in somewhat different lan- 
guage, "the game to carry you through is the 
game you play best." 



BATTING. 39 

would be an impossibility for him to strike this ball, for 
it must be remembered that it is advancing obliquely 
towards point, and that it will have moved a considerable 
distance in that direction by the time it arrives opposite 
the batsman. But it is his business to move towards the 
ball, so that he can at least try to hit it. Mahomet must 
go to the mountain, for it is quite evident that the moun- 
tain is rapidly moving away from Mahomet. Having 
elevated his bat as in No. ii,the batsman takes a long 
stride with his right foot along the Hne of the popping 
crease, then suddenly and forcibly bringing down his bat 
carried at an angle of 70°, he "cuts" the ball towards point. 
The late or back cut is beautiful as well as the safest 
and most graceful hit in the repertoire of the batsman. 
But he must posess experience of no mean order to guide 
the bat to strike the ball, which is moving by him at a 
double acute angle and usually at a rapid rate; for instead 
of facing the ball and meeting it with his bat as in the 
forward and square off cut, he turns his person two-thirds 
around towards the wicket keeper using his left foot for 
a pivot. Then he takes a long stride with his right 
towards short slip, which moves him in the direction of 
the motion of the bail. While these movements are in 
progress the batter has elevated his weapon with which 
he strikes the ball a blow, oblique with its course after it 
has passed the line of the wicket in the direction of the 
slips. If the bat is held at an angle of about 50° when 
it strikes, the ball will rebound from the turf and elude 
the nimble fielder. The force of the late cut is tremen- 
dous, as it combines the power of the shoulder hit with 
the speed of the ball. The cut is such an effective play 
that the snick has largely encroached upon it. We do 



i 



40 BATTJNG. 

not desire to condemn the tip or snick, for it is a frequent 
counter, but only desire to warn beginners, not to flatter 
themselves into the belief that snicks are cuts. 

The off bowler has come to stay, and if batters want 
scores they must cut. Batters are justly proud of their 
ability to cut, though but comparatively few make a clean 
hard hit of it. The tap is more usual, while for certain 
bowling safe and effective. The tap is from the wrist 
while the cut is a combination of arm, wrist and shoulder. 
For clean hard cuts the Scotts of Belmont, Lord Hawke 
and George Patterson may be cited as exponents. The 
powder behind their cuts is phenominal. The cutting of 
any of these is a study for experts. 




No. 9 — Playing a Well-Pitched Straigint Bali on Leg Stump. 



John Wisden sa3'S on page 25 of his Oriel et 
and IIoiv to Play If: "A thoronghly good, ac- 
tive, lively and fearless wicket keeper does 
more to win matches than almost aiiy man on 
the field." We wish he had made bis remarks 
more emphatic by omitting the word "almost.'' 
We think, if Wisden had spent the last few 
3'ears in America, and had seen the disastrous 
effects of reducing that all important position 
to the rank of an out-fielder, he would have 
used language quite as emphatic as that found 
in these pages. 



CHAPTER V 



THE MANAGEMENT OF A MATCH 



IT should be constantly borne in mind that when ar- 
rangements for a match are being made, that the 
pleasure to be afforded by the game should be the first 
desideratum. A fixture having been arranged, let us 
suppose that the appointing power has named the elevens. 
The players should immediately meet and elect their 
captain. If the play of the opposing teams is even, the 
eleven with the best captain will win two out of three 
matches. He should be chosen from among the superior 
five. If in addition to his being captain he should be 
wicket keeper as well, chances are in favor of that eleven, 
as from that position he can silently direct the move- 
ment of any fielder without being observed by the bats- 
man. The captains should be granted absolute obedience 
from fielders, for upon discipHne depends the result. The 
captain should be a natural leader, of more than average 
physical endurance. He should be of sanguine disposi- 
tion, always encouraging his men to renewed efforts even 
though disaster is imminent. He should command re- 
spect and obedience rather than exact it. He should be 
firm but not overbearing, earnest but not anxious, serene 
and not pompous in his bearing. Upon his judgement 
in posting his little army depends the score of his rivals. 



42 THE MANAGEMENT OF A MATCH. 

He ought to be a careful student of the capabilities in his 
own ranks as well as in those of his adversary. 

Upon the day of the proposed match the captain of 
the " home " eleven should reach the ground at least one 
hour before " play " is to be called. This timely arrival 
gives him leisure to assure himself that the wicket has 
been selected and rolled, places of absentees filled by 
substitutes, that lunch has been prepared, and that all the 
petty commissions including lemons and saw dust have 
been executed. The visitors having been welcomed, 
their captain interviewed, and the toss won, a consulta- 
tion with his eleven should precede the decision of " ins " 
or *'outs" according to condition of ground, weather, 
and players. A soft turf presents great advantages to 
the " outs," whereas weather not foggy enough to pre- 
vent play may give tremendous advantages to the bats- 
man. While deciding this important point the captain is 
entitled to the most intelligent assistance from his fellow 
players. 

Before calling " play " the umpires must be selected. 
These individuals are usually overlooked in unimp©rtant 
games, but to their credit " let it be recorded " that almost 
without exception they become the impartial judge, 
whose absolute authority is acknowledged by all. To 
their further repute when judging their own batters, (for 
in local matches the umpires are usually chosen from 
among the " ins ^'), let it be said all abide by their deci- 
sions, right or wrong. A flagrantly incorrect decision is 
usually reversed by the united wish of the players ; for 
all pleasure would be destroyed if such accidental result 
should obtain. For trophy matches the umpires should 
be specially chosen because of their thorough knowledge 



1 




No. 10-SCORING FROM A WELL-PITCHED LEG BALL 



The good ball takes tlie wicket. 



There is "a length which Mr. Felix says 
brings over a man most indescribable emo- 
tions." 



THE MANAGEMENT OF A MATCH. 43 

of cricket, as well as for their patient unbiased judgement. 
Prompt decision following close observation, assures im- 
plicit obedience on the part of players and satisfaction to 
all. Their first duty after consulting the two captains and 
before the first ball has been bowled is to fix the hours 
of drawing stumps, and all details of time limits. The 
captain of the " ins " having numbered and placed his 
batters, while the captain of the " outs " has marshalled 
his field ; the umpires assume control. After " play " is 
called their power is absolute, and their decisions final- 
The work of the captain now begins. The " outs " if 
well disciplined depend largely upon the instinctive apt- 
ness of their leader. His assumption of the double role 
of captain and wicket keeper is notice to his men that 
however severe they may deem their duties, his require 
greater muscular strength, greater activity, greater con- 
tinuance of effort and energy, greater brain power and 
keener eyesight than theirs. Every danger to which the 
fielders may be exposed is shared by the captain. When 
the ball is struck to any fielder an unobstructed view of 
it enables him to perform his duties without fear, for the 
watchful eye robs it of danger. Not so the wicket 
keeper, for the opaque batsman increaased in size by 
pads, gloves, and bat, moves in uncertain areas between 
him and the bowler. Every passed ball has been mo- 
mentarily obscured — practically lost for perhaps the one- 
twentieth of a second, to the man who is expected to 
receive it. We think it will be cheerfully acknowledged 
by all, that the man who ignoring personal danger, finds 
a succession of passed balls through a long match, any- 
one of which were it to strike his face would finish his 
day's career, is a leader to be proud of The ambition 



44 I'i^E managkmknt of a MATCM. 

of the individual who can combine wicket keeper with 
captain to the satisfaction of his eleven need not be limi- 
ted to one hemisphere. The points to be carefully 
watched by captains are : 

1st. — Bowler's lengths and speeds, with a view to 
pointing out batsmen's weak points. 

2d. — Change of bowlers, to thwart batsmen who 
show indications of making a stand. 

3d. — Watchful care of bowlers' physical endurance, 
with a view of changing for rest. 

4th. — Easing fielders whose duties require long 
journeys between overs. 

5th. — Anticipating and preventing overthrows, by 
keeping the attention of the fielders upon the ball. 

6th. — Preventing accidents from collisions, by 
promptly naming the fielder who shall try to catch an 
elevated ball likely to drop between men at even distances 
from its approach. 

7th. — Willingness to answer questions without 
annoyance. 

8th. — He should caution his men against excessive 
practice just before "play" is called, also against ov^er- 
loading the stomach before batting, a habit which has a 
tendency to obscure the sight, as well as to dull the 
mental and physical energy. 

9th. — He should know that every man is properly 
equipped, especially as to cap, spikes and shoes. 

1 0th. — Last, but not least, he should watch the tele- 
graph, keeping rather better posted in every detail of the 
game than any one on the ground. 

His duties though arduous and continuous, will be a 
delight to himself and a joy to his men. 











No. 11— READY FOR THE FORWARD CUT. 



Bat for the score instead of the gallery. 



Cricket is a game of skill against skill. 



A good cricketer is apt to be a good catch. 



45 



chaptp:r VI. 



GENERAL REMARKS. 



SOME cricketers never seem to get beyond the 
" beginning " period, and it is in vain to expect any- 
one to delight in a thing vv'hich he cannot do fairly well. 
If these lines can convey a hint or two they will have 
accomplished a most satisfactory purpose. 

Let us for a moment watch a batsman plant himself 
before the wicket as though with the determination to 
stay there the remainder of the day. His mental purpose 
becomes his weakness, for no preconceived idea of what 
one's opponent will do is at all likely to occur. The 
cricketer is always a creature of circumstances over which 
he usually has little or no control, but of which he must 
be ever ready to take immediate advantage. We used 
the words "plant himself" advisedly, for no other suits. 
Having planted, a vigorous growth should follow, but 
the disappointed spectator sees only a machine cricketer 
trying to force hands and wrists to do the duty, which 
they should but assist the arms and shoulders in doing 
The beauty of the game is sacrificed to the ounce of pre- 
caution, which may have been too much emphasized by 
an over careful captain. While the game is in progress 
cricketers should be active mentally as well as physically, 
and they have only themselves to thank for the erroneous 



46 GENERAL REMARKS. 

impression which has become prevalent that cricket Is a 
sleepy game. It is waste of time to play a pure defensive 
game, and if the inveterate blocker could waste only his 
own time none would have any right to complain, but 
that of at least twenty- five others is being sacrificed at 
the same moment, until from that and many other delays 
a game capable of giving delight has become so little 
understood, even by American cricketers themselves that 
only foreigners can draw a crowd. 

The blindness of Americans to their own short 
comings was illustrated by their attitude during the re- 
cent visit of the Irish Team. The universal confidence 
in themselves, was only equalled by the pity expressed 
for their visitors who were expected to fall an easy 
prey to the representatives of Uncle Sam. Americans 
have set up a standard of their own, and many have 
persuaded themselves to believe in methods which 
occasionally succeed, but when the Englishman is at his 
best the American has invariably been defeated, excuses 
taking the place of good play, which are so generally 
accepted that American cricket has temporarily 
retrograded. 

This retrogression has been caused chiefly by igno- 
ring the importance of the wicket keeper. The star 
known as the aggressive batter, or perhaps he had better 
be called a comet, has turned the heads of American 
cricketers. We are all sovereigns, though many of us 
cannot show that amount of cash, and why should we not 
all be star batsmen ? The object is easily accomplished 
if the wicket keeper can be got rid of The attempt has 
not only been made, but has been actually imposed upon 
the American public as cricket ; for though wearing the 



GENERAL REMARKS. 47 

armor of that great ofiice, he is located ten to fifteen feet 
behind the batsman, thereby becoming a fielder ; with 
the tremendious consequence that first-class wicket keep- 
ing is rarely seen in America. But we have many ag- 
gressive batters, who settle down into first-rate bats 
when in the presence of a standard wicket keeper. We 
say most of them, advisedly, for a star will shine, wicket 
keeper, or no wicket keeper. The true aggressive bats- 
man is a combination of cause and effect which no 
amount of ambition can even hope to imitate. Brain, 
guiding muscle, with discipline resulting from long and 
patient training. He can take almost any liberty with 
the bowler, he can play inside or outside his crease, for 
the dangerous ball never reaches the wicket keeper. 
But it must be remembered that he is a star. He is the 
perfect batsman referred to on several occasions, who 
hits every ball which does not threaten his wicket, and 
many that do. His powerful physique, eagle eye, and 
energetic mind have given him a place beyond his com- 
panions. That instinctive knowledge of the presence of 
a man immediately behind him who will down his wicket 
with a smile of satisfaction, must be forever present in 
the mind of the batter. American cricketers may ignore 
him, but when America meets her English competitor 
and hopes for the like convenient ignorance, she is sure 
to have her pride injured. 

A match is never lost 'till it is won, and the un- 
expected may at any time happen, which is a great 
charm in the game. The disappointment which follows 
the fall of wicket after wicket, simply because the reliable 
bat has had the misfortune to be bowled, is not easily 
described, but we have experienced the keenest anguish 



48 GENERAL REMARKS. 

when the catastrophy has happened to our side ; while 
excessive buoyancy seems to have taken posession of 
and intoxicated our opponents. The American audience 
is so completely bent upon victory that good cricket is 
momentarily lost sight of. If cricketers will remember 
that superior play ought to be the object, and will forget 
the result, these exhibitions of inferior cricket will be 
fewer. The courage and nerve which are sure to follow 
careful training and good discipline, can and will prepare 
each batter to depend upon himself, rather than follow a 
bad example. 

Fielding is too much neglected for the more pleasant 
occupation of batting. The net is a useful invention, a 
tremendous time saver, thoroughly in accord with other 
economic devices of the age, but it has not improved 
fielding. Fielders should practice their art when the 
game is not in progress if they expect success while the 
eyes of spectators are concentrated upon a hard hit ball. 
The silence which follows faulty fielding is quite as em- 
phatic as the cry of "muff" or "butter-fingers." The 
fielder is always on exhibition in the proportion of eleven 
to one batter, so that his opportunities for the display 
of either good or bad play are many. If cricketers will 
bring to their game the excellent qualities displayed upon 
the diamond/theirs will soon be recognized as the popu- 
lar game. Greater interest is felt in fine fielding than in 
brilliant batting by the spectator, though from a cricket, 
ers standpoint a finished batsman will always be the 
favorite. There seems no excuse for poor fielding unless 
to permit the second-rate bat to score double figures. It 
is with much regret that we feel the necessity of dwelling 
upon this subject at length, but these hints would be 



#4 




Iff Ji 



No. 12— MAKING THE FOR^s/VARD CUT. 



"Play as 'tall' as you can." — Wisden. 



Good bowling surprises the batter by 
twists, by balls of different lengths, and balls 
of varied speed. 



(;knk.IxAI. kfmakks. 49 

otherwise inc(Mnplete. Before closing we desire to thank 
Mr. S. V. Merrick, Secretary of the Geriiiantown Cricket 
CKib. for his kind assistance while these photo<^raphs 
were being taken at Manheim. The atitudes of Mr. 
George Bromhead, their professsional cricketer, which 
illustrates this essay, were made instanteneously, and 
wherever possible while bat and ball were in motion. It 
may therefore be assumed that for the purpose of either 
" beginner " or " expert " these positions are as close to 
life as it is possible to secure them. 



50 



CHAPTER VII. 



DEFINITIONS. 



Bowler's Crease. — A lime line, one inch to one and 
one-half inches wide, six feet eight inches long, the 
centre stump being taken as the centre of the measure- 
ment, parallel with the popping crease. 

Call. — It is the duty of the colleague batsman to 
watch the opportunity for scoring for two reasons. First* 
his attention is not otherwise occupied. Second, a slight 
loss of time occurs if the batsman after striking a ball 
turijs his head to look whether an opportunity for a run 
has arrived. Captains too often do not give rigid in- 
structions upon this most important duty (supposing that 
cricketers know their business), and also from a desire 
not to offend a batter. The unnecessary " run out " 
being the result. The two men in together should have 
an understanding, and when the " call " is given there 
should be such perfect confidence in the " caller " that 
the run is attempted without misgiving or hesitation. 

Crease. — The portion of the field set apart and pre- 
pared by rolling, upon which to erect the wickets. 

Guard or Block. — The position of defense selected 
by the batter to place the point of his bat. Most batters 
request the umpire to stand upon the spot from which 
the bowler will deliver. If the batter holds his bat erect 




No. 13-THE SQUARE CUT. 



A good fielder makes an effort to stop every 
ball which comes his way not always expecting 
or even hoping to reach it but to keep up his 
own spirits as well as that of his companions. 



I 



DEFINITIONS. $1 

the blade will conceal two stumps from the view of the 
umpire. This spot is carefully dented in the turf by the 
bat. Taking guard is optional with batters. 

Innings. — In single wicket, the whole number of both 
sides having gone to the bat and been decided out by 
the umpire. In double wicket, eleven men having gone 
in and ten having been given out on each side. 

On. — If a line is extended from boundary to bound- 
ary, passing through the middle of the centre stump of 
each wicket, all that portion of the field to the left of 
the line for a right-hand batter, is the " leg," or " on " 
side of the wicket. 

Off.— While all that portio'n of the field to the right 
of the line while a right-handed batter is performing, is 
the " off " side of the wicket. The reverse obtains for 
left-handers. These terms are relative to the batter. 
They may change with the batsman every " over," or 
with every ball. 

Popping Crease. — A line marked four feet in front of 
the wicket and parallel to it, extending from boundary to 
boundary. Only about six feet of this line is whitened 
with lime to guide the umpire and to define the runs. 

Shooter. — A. ball which from any cause does not 
rise from the ground. 

Tice. — A ball bowled to tempt a batter to strike. 

Wiclcet.— The wicket seems to have developed from 
a hole in the ground into which the fielders placed the 
ball to " put out " the batsman. A single stick eighteen 
inches high displaced the hole. Two upright sticks each 
a foot high placed two feet apart with a bail two feet long 
succeeded the single stick in the year 1700. The years 
1 78 1, 1 8 14, and 18 17 are all memorable for changes in 



■r 



52 



DEFINITIONS. 



the wicket, which since the latter year has remained the 
same. Single wicket cricket only was played until 17 10, 
when the Scotch developed double wicket under the 
name of " cat and dog." The game has been and is a 
progressive one, each generation revealing improvements. 
The diagram shows the various sizes and shapes of the 
^cket : 



1817 
1814 



1781 



First Surmise of a Wicket. 
Single Stick 

1780- 



27 INCHES BY 8 
26 — 8 



18 INCHES HIGH 

I FT HIGH BY6 INCHES 



2FTWI0E 
1700 BY 

I FT HIGH 



ORIGINALLY A HOLE IN GROUND' 



1 


1 " ■ . - 

; ■ r^ ■ 

r 

r 




/ 



No. 14— THE LATE OR BACK CUT. 



Science has demonstrated that the atmos- 
phere is not dense enough to account for the 
air curve of the ball ; but the batter who is 
thereby *'out" derives no consolation from the 
scientists' conclusion. 



DEFINITIONS. 53 

Wicket. —Three stumps twenty-seven inches high, 
so erected that they shall be eight inches from outside to 
outside, with bails laid in grooves upon the top. The 
stumps composing the wicket must be of such thickness 
that the ball cannot pass between them. 

Wicket.— A batter given "out" by the umpire for 
any cause. 

Wicket. —The "crease" as a whole with special 
reference to the surfacing. 



54 



CHAPTER VIII. 



LAWS OF CRICKET. — AS REVISED BY THE MARLEYBONE 
CRICKET CLUB, MAY, 189O. 



1. A match is played between two sides of eleven 
players each, unless otherwise agreed to ; each side has 
two innings, taken alternately, except in the case provided 
for in Law 53. The choice of innings shall be decided 
by tossing. 

2. The score shall be reckoned by runs. A run is 
scored — 1st, so often as the batsmen after a hit, or at any 
time while the ball is in play, shall have crossed, and 
made good their ground from end to end. 2d, for penal- 
ties under Laws 16, 34, 41, and allowances under 44. 
Any run or runs so scored shall be duly recorded by 
scorers appointed for the purpose. The side which 
scores the greatest number of runs wins the match. No 
match is won unless played out or given up, except in 
the case provided for in Law 45. 

3. Before the commencement of the match two 
umpires shall be appointed, one for each end. 

4. The ball shall weigh not less than 5^ oz., nor 
more than 5 ^ oz. It shall measure not less than 9 in. 
nor more than gj^ in. in circumference. At the begin- 
ning of each innings either side may demand a new ball. 



LAWS OF CRICKET. 55 

5. The bat shall not exceed 4}^ in. in the widest 
part ; it shall not be more than 38 in. in length. 

6. The wickets shall be pitched opposite and par- 
allel to each other, at a distance of 22 yards. Each 
wicket shall be 8 in. in width and consist of three stumps, 
with two bails upon the top. The stumps shall be of 
equal and sufficient size to prevent the ball from passing 
through, and 27 in. out of the ground. The bails shall 
be each 4 in. in length and when in position, on the top 
of the stumps, shall not project more than }4 in. above 
them. The wickets shall not be changed during a match, 
unless the ground between them become unfit for play, 
and then only by consent of both sides. 

7. The bowling crease shall be in a line with the 
stumps 6 ft. 8 in. in length ; the stumps in the center, 
with a return crease at each end, at right angles behind 
the wicket. 

8. The popping crease shall be marked 4 ft. from 
the wicket, parallel to it, and be deemed unlimited in 
length. 

9. The ground shall not be rolled, watered, covered, 
mown or beaten during a match, except before the com- 
mencement of each innings and of each day's play, when, 
unless the inside object, the ground shall be swept and 
rolled for not more than ten minutes. This shall not 
prevent the batsman from beating the ground with his 
bat, nor the batsmen nor bowler from using sawdust in 
order to obtain a proper foothold. 

10. The ball must be bowled; if thrown or jerked, 
the umpire shall call " No ball." 

1 1. The bowler shall deliver the ball with one foot 
on the ground behind the bowling crease, and within the 



5 6 LAWS OF CRICKET. 

return crease, otherwise the umpire shall call " No ball." 

12. If the bowler shall bowl the ball so high over 
or so wide of the wicket that in the opinion of the um- 
pire it is not within reach of the striker, the umpire shall 
call " Wide ball." 

13. The ball shall be bowled in overs of five balls 
from each wicket alternately. When five balls have 
been bowled and the ball is finally'settled in the bowler's 
or wicket-keeper's hands, the umpire shall call " Over." 
Neither a " no ball " nor a " wide ball " shall be reck- 
oned as one of the ^* over." 

14. The bowler shall be allowed to change ends as 
often as he pleases, provided only that he does not bowl 
two overs consecutively in one innings. 

15. The bowler may require the batsman at the 
wicket from which he is bowling to stand on that side of 
it which he may direct. 

16. The striker may hit a " no-ball," and whatever 
runs result shall be added to his score ; but he shall not 
be out from a " no ball," unless he be run out, or break 
Laws 26, 27, 29, 30. All runs made from a " no-ball," 
otherwise than from the bat, shall be scored " no-balls," 
and if no run be made one run shall be added to that 
score. From a "wide ball" as many runs as are run 
shall be added to the score as " wide balls," and if no 
run be otherwise obtained one run shall be so added. 

17. If the ball, not having been called "wide" or 
" no-ball," pass the striker, without touching his bat or 
person, and any runs be obtained, the umpire shall call 
" Bye ;" but if the ball touch any part of the striker's 
person (hand excepted) and any run be obtained, the 



LAWS OF CRICKET. 



57 



umpire shall call " Leg-bye," such runs to be scored 
" byes " an " leg-byes " respectively. 

1 8. At the beginning of the match, and of each 
innings, the umpire at the bowler's wicket shall call 
" Play ;" from that time no trial ball shall be allowed to 
any bowler on the ground between the wickets, and 
when one of the batsman is out the use of the bat shall 
not be allowed to any person until the next batsman 
shall come in. 

19. A batsman shall be held to be "out of his 
ground " unless his bat in hand or some part of his per- 
son be grounded within the line of the popping crease. J 

20. The wicket shall be held to be " down " when 
either of the bails is struck off, or, if both bails be off, 
when a stump is struck out of the ground. 

The striker is out : 
21. If the wicket be bowled down, even if the ball 
first touch the striker's bat or person : — " Bowled." 

22. Or, if the ball, from a stroke of the bat or 
hand, but not the wrist, be held before it touch the 
ground, although it be hugged to the body of the 
catcher : — " Caught." 

23. Or, if in playing at the ball, provided it be not 
touched by the bat or hand, the striker be out of his 
ground, and the wicket be put down by the wicket- 
keeper with the ball or with the hand or arm, with ball 

•in hand :— " Stumped." 

24. Or, if with any part of his person he stop the 
ball, which in the opinion of the umpire at the bowler's 
wicket shall have been pitched in a straight line from it 
to the strikers wicket and would have hit it : — " Leg 
before wicket." ; 



sa 



LAWS OF CRICKET. 



25. Or, if in playing at the ball he hit down his 
wicket with his bat or any part of his person or dress •— 
*'Hit wicket." 

26. Or, if under pretense of running, or otherwise 
either of the batsmen willfully prevent a ball from being' 
caught .-—"Obstructing the field." 

27 :— Or, if the ball be struck, or be stopped by any 
part of his person, and he willfully strike it again, except 
It be done for the purpose of guarding his wicket, which 
he may do with his bat, or any part of his person, except 
his hands :— "Hit the ball twice." 

Either batsman is out : 

28. If in running, or at any other time, while the 
ball is in play he be out of his ground, and his wicket be 
struck down by the ball after touching any fieldsman, or 
by the hand or arm, with ball in hand, or any fieldsman • 
-"Run out." 

29. Or, if he touch with his hands or take up the 
ball while in play, unless at the request of the opposite 
side :— "Handled the ball." 

30. Or if he willfully obstruct any fieldsman •— 
"Obstructing the field. " 

31. If the batsmen have crossed each other, he 
that runs for the wicket which is put down is out; if 
they have not crossed, he that has left the wicket which 
is put down is out. 

32. The striker being caught no run shall be 
scored. A batsman being run out, that run which was 
being attempted shall not be scored. 

33- A batsman being out from any cause, the ball 
shall be " dead. " 



LAWS OF CRICKET. 59 

34. If a ball in play cannot be found or recovered, 
any fieldsman may call "Lost Ball," when the ball shall 
be "dead ; " six runs shall be added to the score, but if 
more than six runs have been run before "lost ball" has 
been called, as many runs as have been run shall be 
scored. 

35. After the ball shall have been finally settled in 
the wicket-keeper's or bowler's hand it shall be "dead ;" 
but when the bowler is about to deliver the ball, if the 
batsman at his wicket be out of his ground before actual 
delivery, the said bowler may run him out ; but if the 
bowler throw at that wicket and any run result it shall 
be scored "no ball." 

36. A batsman shall not retire from his wicket and 
return to it to complete his innings after another has 
been in without the consent of the opposite side. 

37. A substitute shall be allowed to field or run 
between wickets for any player who may during the 
match be incapacitated from illness or injury, but for no 
other reason, except with the consent of the opposite 
side. 

38. In all cases where a substitute shall be allowed, 
the consent of the opposite side shall be obtained as to 
the person to act as substitute and the place in the field 
which he shall take. 

39. In case any substitute shall be allowed to run 
between wickets, the striker may be run out if either 
he or his substitute be out of his ground. If the striker 
be out of his ground while the ball is in play, that wicket 
which he has left may be put down and the striker given 
out, although the other batsman may have made good 



60 LAWS OF CRICKET. 

the ground at that end, and the striker and his substitute 
at the other end. 

40. A batsman is liable to be out for any infringe- 
ment of the laws by his substitute. 

41. The fieldsman may stop the ball with any part 
of his person, but if he willfully stop it otherwise the ball 
shall be " dead," and five runs added to the score. 
Whatever runs may have been made five only shall be 
added. 

42. The wicket-keeper shall stand behind the 
wicket. If he shall take the ball for the purpose of 
stumping before it has passed the wicket, or if he shall 
incommode the striker by any noise, or motion, or if any 
part of his person be over or before the wicket, the 
striker shall not be out, excepting under Laws 26, 27, 
28, 29 and 30. 

43. The umpires are the sole judges of fair or 
unfair play, of the fitness of the ground, the weather, and 
the light for play; all disputes shall be determined by 
them, and if they disagree the actual state of things shall 
continue. 

44. They shall pitch ther wickets, arrange bound- 
aries where necessary, and the allowances to be made for 
them, and change ends after each side has had one 
innings. 

45. They shall allow two minutes for each striker 
to come in and ten minutes between each innings. 
When they shall call " Play," the side refusing to play 
shall lose the match. 

46. They shall not order a batsman out unless 
appealed to by the other side. 



LAWS OF CRICKKT. 



6i 



47. The umpire at the bowler's wicket shall be 
appealed to before the other umpire in all cases except 
in those of stumping, hit the wicket, run out at the 
striker's wicket, or arising under Law 42, but in any case 
in which an umpire is unable to give a decision he shall 
appeal to the other umpire, whose decision shall be final^ 

48 A. If the umpire at the bowler's end be not sat- 
isfied of the absolute fairness of the delivery of any ball, 
he shall call " No ball." 

48 B. The umpire shall take especial care to call 
'* No ball " instantly upon delivery, "Wide ball " as soon 
as it shall have passed the striker. 

49. If either batsman run a short run, the umpire 
shall call " One short," and the run shall not be scored. 

50. After the umpire has called " Over " the ball is 
" dead " but an appeal may be made as to whether either 
batsman is out, such appeal, however, shall not be made 
after the delivery of the next ball, nor after any cessation 
of play. 

5 1 . No umpire shall be allowed to bet. 

52. No umpire shall be changed during a match 
unless with the consent of both sides, except in case of 
violation of Law 51, then either side may dismiss him. 

53. The side which goes in second shall follow 
their innings if they have scored eighty runs less than 
the opposite side. 

54. On the last day of a match, and in a one-day 
match at any time, the in-side shall be empowered to 
declare their innings at an end, 



62 LAWS OF CRICKET. 

ONE-DAY MATCHES. 

1. The side which goes in second shall follow 
their innings if they have scored sixty runs less than the 
opposite side. 

2. The match, unless played out, shall be decided 
by the first innings. 

3. Prior to the commencement of a match it may 
be agreed that the over consist of 5 or 6 balls. 




019 310 618 3 




